White blister on gum above tooth
A white blister on the gum above a tooth may be a draining dental abscess, irritation, or a surface ulcer.
The short answer
A white blister on the gum above a tooth can be a pus-filled drainage point from an infected tooth or gum, although irritation and an ulcer can look similar.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
The gum tissue above a tooth contains connective tissue, blood vessels, and the end of the tooth root beneath the bone. A dental abscess may create pressure that drains through the gum as a small white or yellow bump, while a bite injury or chemical irritation can remove the surface lining and leave a pale sore.
What can you do next?
Do not squeeze, pierce, or burn the bump. Brush gently with a soft brush, clean between the teeth, rinse with warm salt water, and arrange an examination so the dentist can test the tooth, probe the gum, and take a dental radiograph if needed.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt dental care if the bump persists, returns, tastes foul, or sits beside a tooth with decay, a deep filling, or pain when biting. Get urgent medical help for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or trouble opening the mouth.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the swelling is draining an infection from the tooth root or gum pocket, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether treatment requires drainage, a root canal, gum treatment, or removal of the tooth.
Frequently asked questions
Can an abscess drain without pain?
Yes. Drainage can reduce pressure, so a serious tooth infection may produce little pain.
Will salt water cure it?
A warm salt-water rinse can soothe irritated tissue, but it cannot remove infection inside a tooth or deep gum pocket.